Salicaceae

Names: Quaking Aspen, American Poplar.

Habitat: N. American.

Collection: The bark should be collected in the spring, taking care notto ring-bark the tree and thus kill it.

Part Used: The bark.

Constituents: * Phenolic glycosides; salicin and populin

* Tannins

Actions: Anti-inflammatory, astringent, antiseptic, anodyne,cholagogue, bitter tonic.

Indications: White Poplar is an excellent remedy to use in thetreatment of arthritis and rheumatism where there is much painand swelling. In this area, its use is quite similar to Willow, and is mosteffective when used in a broad therapeutic approach and not by itself. It isvery helpful during the flare-up of rheumatoid arthritis. As acholagogue it can be used to stimulate digestion and especially stomach andliver function, particularly where there is loss of appetite. In feverishcolds and in infections such as cystitis it may be considered. Asan astringent it can be used in the treatment of diarrhoea.

Priest & Priest tell us that it is a "bitter tonic for allgeneral uses, especially for post-febrile debility. Stimulates appetite andaids digestion. Suitable for the elderly." They give the following specificindications: dyspepsia, flatulence, diarrhoea, dysentery..

Ellingwood recommends it for the following patholgies:intermittant fever, protracted fevers, prostatic hypertrophy, generaldebility.

Combinations: In the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis it may be usedwith Black Cohosh, Bogbean and Celery. As a digestive stimulant it can be usedwith Balmony and Golden Seal.

Preparations & Dosage: Decoction: put l-2 teaspoonfuls of the driedbark in a cup of water, bring to the boil and simmer for l0-l5 minutes. Thisshould be drunk three times a day. To stimulate appetite, drink 30 minutesbefore meals. Tincture: take 2-4 ml of the tincture three times a day.